Castellvi classification

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

The Castellvi classification is used for the categorization of lumbosacral transitional anomalies and was published in 1984 by Castellvi et al. [^1].

Classification

Castellvi Type

Denotation

Description

Type Ia

Unilateral dysplastic transverse process

This type represents a unilaterally pronounced transverse process in triangular form with a width of at least 19 mm.

Type Ib

Bilateral dysplastic transverse process

This type represents a bilaterally pronounced transverse process in triangular form with a width of at least 19 mm.

Type IIa

Unilateral incomplete lumbarization/sacralization

In this type, a pronounced transverse process is present unilaterally, which follows the contour of the wing of the sacrum. This type is considered incomplete because a diarthrodial joint seems to exist between the sacrum and the transverse process.

Type IIb

Bilateral incomplete lumbarization/sacralization

In this type, a pronounced transverse process is present bilaterally, which follows the contour of the wing of the sacrum. This type is considered incomplete because a diarthrodial joint seems to exist between the sacrum and the transverse process.

Type IIIa

Unilateral complete lumbarization/sacralization

This type appears the same as Type II with the exception that there is no diarthrodial joint between the sacrum and the transverse process, but a unilateral ossification has occurred.

Type IIIb

Bilateral complete lumbarization/sacralization

This type appears the same as Type II with the exception that there is no diarthrodial joint between the sacrum and the transverse process, but a bilateral ossification has occurred.

Type IV

Mixed

Patients with this type exhibit a Type II anomaly on one side and a Type III anomaly on the other side.

Illustration

Castellvi classification
Original illustration of the Castellvi classification from the 1984 publication.